Jackson Macrae could be fantasy dream

Josh Elliott, Footy Prophet

The second-year Bulldog was one of few who could hold his head high on Sunday night following his side's 65-point thrashing at the hands of the West Coast Eagles.

Macrae’s 31 possessions was the equal most of any Bulldog, tied with former skipper Matthew Boyd. Macrae also chimed in with two goals.

His disposal efficiency was at 80 per cent, the second best for any Bulldog with more than 20 disposals, and he also took seven marks, the most of any Bulldog.

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Speaking of disposal efficiency, Robert Murphy had 19 touches at 100 per cent. Phenomenal stuff, Bob.

For Macrae, all this led him to a fantasy score of 122 points, the best score on ground for the Bulldogs, and tied at equal second in the match. It’s yet another feather in his cap after a faultless pre-season in which he was one of the team’s best performers in both NAB Challenge games.

Macrae’s year is starting to resemble Wingard’s breakout year in 2013. Both were in their second year in the AFL. Both had been taken at No.6 in the draft, a selection once thought to be cursed. Wingard became a fantasy gun, and it looks like Macrae is about to be the same.

The fact Macrae was able to put up such an impressive fantasy score in a game where the Bulldogs were being thoroughly beaten is a really good sign for fantasy coaches. It speaks volumes about his character.

So is Macrae this year's Wingard? It’s hard to tell this early in the season but the signs are very promising. He’s only available in about one out of five Ultimate Footy leagues, but he’ll be a must get in any league where he is.

The Bulldogs aren’t likely to emulate Port Adelaide’s rebound into the finals last year, with Sunday’s game showing they are still well off the pace of the AFL’s better teams.

But the Bulldogs should finish the year with a lot to be smiling about as the young players, like Macrae, develop further. They would also be happy with the performances of Luke Dahlhaus and Lachie Hunter.

Dahlhaus had 26 disposals, six clearances and two goal-assists for 108 fantasy points, while Hunter had 24 disposals and kicked two goals for 103 fantasy points.

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